Hayes retiree tackles challenging trek
Janice has now finished her epic trek and, so far, has raised over £4,000. It's not too late to contribute just head to her gofundme page.
Janice Hamilton has just recently retired from her position her at Hayes Garden World as an advisor in the Customer Services department of the Internet division and as a result is undertaking this daunting trek to raise funds for a desperately needed new base for the Coniston Mountain Rescue Team and Animal Rescue Cumbria.
Coniston Mountain Rescue was formed in 1947, prior to this, rescues were carried out by the victim’s friends and any locals or visitors who were willing and able. Since that date they have been literally saving lives continuously, not only of people, they are also willing to turn out to save sheep and dogs. The Mountain Rescue team is composed entirely of volunteers whose employers give them leave to rush off at the ring of a phone. They will turn out in the most atrocious weather conditions when you and I would not even cross the doorstep. However minor or self-inflicted the situation they will turn out without giving any judgement. With more people taking staycations the number of call outs has rocketed with many people attempting the fells poorly equipped wearing totally unsuitable clothing. If you have ever walked, climbed or just taken a little stroll up the gorgeous Lakeland fells you are potentially at risk of getting lost, having an accident or suffering a medical emergency which requires the services of a mountain rescue team, so please could you spare a couple of pounds to keep the Coniston Mountain Rescue team doing what they do so brilliantly.
Janice started volunteering with CMR to make the tea and generally help out wherever she could and she has gradually worked her way up to be the Assistant Leader and team medic despite previously having no training or medical experience. In addition to this she is also a First Responder for Coniston.
“In addition, my main love is animals and therefore I wanted to include a local animal charity, so I am also hoping people will donate to Animal Rescue Cumbria, (Wainwright's Shelter). This charity has never ending bills to pay for the animals they take in, food, housing, vets fees etc. Without the generosity of the public, the Rescue Centre would not be able to care for these unwanted animals, who, through no fault of their own, have sadly found themselves without a loving home.
I am therefore walking the Pennine Way (268 miles) in May, with my dog, Harlie, (Plan B if Covid restrictions do not allow us to undertake this walk, is that all accommodation is booked for a late August start instead). Whilst this may not seem too daunting for some people, it will be a challenge for us. I shall be 66 years old and still recovering from revision knee replacement surgery, and Harlie, will be nearly 11 years old.”
The Pennine Way was the first National Trail to open and is undoubtably the most challenging with most walkers tackling it in stages, not all at once. On her mammoth trek Janice will have to open 287 gates, climb over 432 timber and stone stiles and cross 204 bridges. She is walking the trail runs Edale in Derbyshire up the spine of England to Kirk Yetholm in the Scottish borders.
None of the money raised will go towards the cost of the trek, Janice is funding this entirely out of her own pocket. Even a donation of the cost of a pizza or can of beer will help her reach her goal of £2,000 so please could you find it in your heart to help her achieve her objective.
To make a donation please go to: gofund.me/a7a8c033
Thank you
